This course is studio based. It involves a combination of structured research projects and individual work proposals initiated with staff consultation. The learning in this course simulates the work experience of a practicing artist where art works are self initiated, directed and finalized within the artists’ studio. Through self –directed projects you will be encouraged to develop visual ways of knowing, thinking and doing. You will work with industry professionals engaging in real problem solving experiences and will consider issues of professional practice, health and safety and a variety of methods of production.

In third year, you are expected to develop a greater self-reliance in the making of individual aesthetic and expressive decisions. You are also encouraged to develop a personal aesthetic sensitivity in relation to specific projects and to extensively define, research, document and present an area of material practice of direct interest to you and your ceramic practice. Your research will be encompassed into finished work.Your individual programs will be developed in consultation with lecturers responsible for the third year program and you are given ongoing supervision and guidance for the development of your project. Professional practice prepares students for their role as studio artists beyond university. This Course has been designed to compliment Ceramics Advanced Studio 3B2.

There are four main areas of focus which will be addressed on an ongoing basis throughout this course: 1. Research skill development, expanding options for research 2. Exploration of contemporary concepts and material investigation, including development and initiation of a work proposal 3. Professional Practice skills, including exhibition preparation and folio documentation 4. Critical Analysis skill development, including peer review.

The course aims to: • Extend and develop the student’s capacity to address conceptual, perceptual, formal and aesthetic concerns as related to ceramics • Refine the student’s materials skills base in a range of ceramic processes and techniques as relevant to the development of a personal aesthetic • Encourage and support student’s greater self-reliance in undertaking and initiating independent research as an integral part of the student’s professional and artistic development.

find creative solutions to constraints and challenges in a fine art context

effectively communicate via artistic production in a range of media and modes with awareness of and<o:p></o:p> sensitivity to a range of local and global contexts and cultures

develop a critically reflective arts practice, in order to continually develop, change and plan for a future<o:p></o:p> that is both informed and improved by arts practice

invent, design and construct a pro-active and critically relevant career as a member of the cultural and<o:p></o:p> creative industries

engage in autonomous and continued learning, apply new theories of practice and embrace new developments in cultural/artistic production

develop individual and collaborative modes of working and apply skills in teamwork, leadership and<o:p></o:p> self-management

form, develop and implement a vision and philosophy of art as a profession, contributing to the positive<o:p></o:p>

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At the successful conclusion of this subject you should: • Demonstrate self-reliance, self-discipline and self-motivation in researching, organising and executing a practical program of work that extends the development of a personal aesthetic • Be able to initiate and pursue studies in directions which inform and further individual and professional growth and catalyse invention, innovation and refinement of personal work • Show a qualitative response to ideas and phenomena, materials and processes in the pursuit of an emerging personal aesthetic and show an ability to engage in research as an integral part of one’s professionalism

Overview of Learning Activities

Learning will take place through an approved individual program of studio work, planned by the student in consultation with the class lecturer at the beginning of the semester. You will be expected to develop a studio work proposal which will outline their objectives and methods for organising a practical program of work. Ceramics Advanced Studio 3A1 & 3B2 have been designed as complimentary pracitces, therefore your approved work proposals will be recognized across both subject areas.

A program of individual tutorials and group critiques will be scheduled to review progress and to develop the capacity for aesthetic judgement and rigorous self analysis.

You will be required to maintain the practice of using sketchbooks and journals/visual diaries as a means of research and documentation and must cultivate an awareness of traditional and contemporary practice by regular participation in visits to public and commercial galleries, guest lectures, workshops, scheduled excursions and appropriate use of library facilities

A panel of staff from the course area will conduct assessment. The assessment will be reviewed and moderated by the course co-ordinator in collaboration with another course co-ordinator or program director.

Assessment Criteria: Presentation of a resolved body of work as per studio proposal and prescribed assessment criteria: 100%